Employer/university relationship consultation launched

A new government consultation has been implemented which aims to strengthen the relationship between employers and universities for more tailored needs, which could be of interest to graduates

The High Level Skills consultation will collate industry views on how to better the skills of those already in work, as well as graduates looking to enter the workplace.

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, is concerned that the government's policy announcements on skills are taking time to come to fruition.

Martin Temple, EEF chairman, said the consultation was welcome and that his organisation would now like to see words turned into "firm delivery".

"Employers see strong skills in communication, teamwork and business acumen as key attributes. As such, EEF supports the greater focus on employability and the responsibility of universities to deliver this.

"This will be vital if universities are to help deliver on the government's innovation and enterprise agendas which business and industry strongly supports," he said.